Retirement Benefits - Medicare Eligible Participants

As a retiree, if you or your spouse become(s) eligible for Medicare while maintaining coverage under an MCHCP plan, Medicare Part A is automatic, but you should also enroll in Medicare Part B for the maximum benefit. Notify MCHCP and submit a copy of your Medicare card(s). If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B, your MCHCP plan will reimburse your claims as if you have Part B.

The cost of your MCHCP plan coverage will be adjusted because Medicare becomes your primary plan.

If you want Medicare coverage to begin the month in which you become age 65, you must file a Medicare application sometime during the three months prior to your 65th birthday. For more details regarding Medicare enrollment, contact your local Social Security office.

Contact the plan in which you enrolled for information on how your plan coordinates with Medicare.

Medicare Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug program. Each year the medical plans’ prescription drug plans are evaluated to determine if they are creditable (considered equal to or better than Medicare Part D). The prescription benefits through Mercy Health Plans, Coventry Health Care and Coventry Health Care of Kansas have been determined to be creditable. Therefore, you do not need to enroll in and will not be penalized if you sign-up for Part D at a later date.

For information on how benefits are coordinated with Medicare, contact your medical plan for details.